UPSC Editorials Quiz : 12 March 2026

Introducing QUED – Questions from Editorials (UPSC Editorials Quiz) , an innovative initiative from InsightsIAS. Considering the significant number of questions in previous UPSC Prelims from editorials, practicing MCQs from this perspective can provide an extra edge. While we cover important editorials separately in our Editorial Section and SECURE Initiative, adding QUED (UPSC Editorials Quiz) to your daily MCQ practice alongside Static Quiz, Current Affairs Quiz, and InstaDART can be crucial for better performance. We recommend utilizing this initiative to enhance your preparation, with 5 MCQs posted daily at 11 am from Monday to Saturday on our website under the QUIZ menu.

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• Question 1 of 5 1. Question The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI), launched recently, is a joint initiative of: (a) NITI Aayog and the Ministry of External Affairs (b) The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) (c) The Department of Science and Technology and the Indian Council of World Affairs (d) The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Correct Solution: B The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative was held on March 5, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It was launched as a collaborative effort between the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) as a key feature of the broader Raisina Dialogue. The initiative serves as a platform to integrate science and technology into foreign policy and international governance. The 2026 edition specifically addressed themes of strategic autonomy and the governance of disruptive technologies like AI and semiconductors. It brought together global diplomats, scientists, and policymakers to discuss how scientific cooperation can act as a bridge during geopolitical tensions. Incorrect Solution: B The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative was held on March 5, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It was launched as a collaborative effort between the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) as a key feature of the broader Raisina Dialogue. The initiative serves as a platform to integrate science and technology into foreign policy and international governance. The 2026 edition specifically addressed themes of strategic autonomy and the governance of disruptive technologies like AI and semiconductors. It brought together global diplomats, scientists, and policymakers to discuss how scientific cooperation can act as a bridge during geopolitical tensions.

#### 1. Question

The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative (SDI), launched recently, is a joint initiative of:

• (a) NITI Aayog and the Ministry of External Affairs

• (b) The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF)

• (c) The Department of Science and Technology and the Indian Council of World Affairs

• (d) The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)

Solution: B

• The inaugural Raisina Science Diplomacy Initiative was held on March 5, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It was launched as a collaborative effort between the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) as a key feature of the broader Raisina Dialogue.

• The initiative serves as a platform to integrate science and technology into foreign policy and international governance. The 2026 edition specifically addressed themes of strategic autonomy and the governance of disruptive technologies like AI and semiconductors. It brought together global diplomats, scientists, and policymakers to discuss how scientific cooperation can act as a bridge during geopolitical tensions.

Solution: B

• Question 2 of 5 2. Question With reference to the early-onset heatwaves in North India, consider the following statements: A dry winter prevents soil moisture evaporation, allowing the soil to absorb heat directly. The presence of strong Western Disturbances in February typically accelerates surface warming. Atmospheric anticyclones over Western India cause air to sink and compress, leading to warming. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Statement 1 is correct because a dry winter leads to a lack of soil moisture. Usually, evaporation consumes energy (latent heat); without moisture, the solar radiation directly heats the dry soil, causing rapid temperature spikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because the current context specifies that weak Western Disturbances are a driving factor. Strong Western Disturbances usually bring rain and cooling snowfall to the Himalayas, which regulates temperatures; their absence leads to heating. Statement 3 is correct as anticyclones are high-pressure systems where air descends. As air sinks, it undergoes adiabatic compression, which increases its temperature and inhibits cloud formation, leading to clear skies and intense solar heating. This phenomenon marks a shift in seasonal boundaries, where the traditional spring transition is bypassed due to long-term climate change trends. Incorrect Solution: B Statement 1 is correct because a dry winter leads to a lack of soil moisture. Usually, evaporation consumes energy (latent heat); without moisture, the solar radiation directly heats the dry soil, causing rapid temperature spikes. Statement 2 is incorrect because the current context specifies that weak Western Disturbances are a driving factor. Strong Western Disturbances usually bring rain and cooling snowfall to the Himalayas, which regulates temperatures; their absence leads to heating. Statement 3 is correct as anticyclones are high-pressure systems where air descends. As air sinks, it undergoes adiabatic compression, which increases its temperature and inhibits cloud formation, leading to clear skies and intense solar heating. This phenomenon marks a shift in seasonal boundaries, where the traditional spring transition is bypassed due to long-term climate change trends.

#### 2. Question

With reference to the early-onset heatwaves in North India, consider the following statements:

• A dry winter prevents soil moisture evaporation, allowing the soil to absorb heat directly.

• The presence of strong Western Disturbances in February typically accelerates surface warming.

• Atmospheric anticyclones over Western India cause air to sink and compress, leading to warming.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Statement 1 is correct because a dry winter leads to a lack of soil moisture. Usually, evaporation consumes energy (latent heat); without moisture, the solar radiation directly heats the dry soil, causing rapid temperature spikes.

• Statement 2 is incorrect because the current context specifies that weak Western Disturbances are a driving factor. Strong Western Disturbances usually bring rain and cooling snowfall to the Himalayas, which regulates temperatures; their absence leads to heating.

• Statement 3 is correct as anticyclones are high-pressure systems where air descends. As air sinks, it undergoes adiabatic compression, which increases its temperature and inhibits cloud formation, leading to clear skies and intense solar heating.

• This phenomenon marks a shift in seasonal boundaries, where the traditional spring transition is bypassed due to long-term climate change trends.

Solution: B

• This phenomenon marks a shift in seasonal boundaries, where the traditional spring transition is bypassed due to long-term climate change trends.

• Question 3 of 5 3. Question In the context of the 2026 energy crisis caused by West Asia tensions, which legislative tool did the Government of India invoke to regulate and prioritize the supply of natural gas to essential sectors? (a) The Disaster Management Act, 2005 (b) The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (c) The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006 (d) The National Security Act, 1980 Correct Solution: B To manage severe demand-supply mismatches triggered by the West Asia conflict, the Indian government invoked the Essential Commodities Act. This allows the state to regulate the distribution and price of natural gas to protect critical sectors. Under this invocation, top priority for gas allocation has been given to piped natural gas for households, CNG for transport, and LPG production. Secondary priority is given to fertilizer units, followed by tea industries and other manufacturing sectors. This move was necessary because India imports approximately 50% of its natural gas and 60% of its LPG from the Gulf region, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Source Incorrect Solution: B To manage severe demand-supply mismatches triggered by the West Asia conflict, the Indian government invoked the Essential Commodities Act. This allows the state to regulate the distribution and price of natural gas to protect critical sectors. Under this invocation, top priority for gas allocation has been given to piped natural gas for households, CNG for transport, and LPG production. Secondary priority is given to fertilizer units, followed by tea industries and other manufacturing sectors. This move was necessary because India imports approximately 50% of its natural gas and 60% of its LPG from the Gulf region, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Source

#### 3. Question

In the context of the 2026 energy crisis caused by West Asia tensions, which legislative tool did the Government of India invoke to regulate and prioritize the supply of natural gas to essential sectors?

• (a) The Disaster Management Act, 2005

• (b) The Essential Commodities Act, 1955

• (c) The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006

• (d) The National Security Act, 1980

Solution: B

• To manage severe demand-supply mismatches triggered by the West Asia conflict, the Indian government invoked the Essential Commodities Act. This allows the state to regulate the distribution and price of natural gas to protect critical sectors.

• Under this invocation, top priority for gas allocation has been given to piped natural gas for households, CNG for transport, and LPG production. Secondary priority is given to fertilizer units, followed by tea industries and other manufacturing sectors.

• This move was necessary because India imports approximately 50% of its natural gas and 60% of its LPG from the Gulf region, making it highly vulnerable to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Solution: B

• Question 4 of 5 4. Question Consider the following statements: Statement I: Desalination plants particularly in regions like the Gulf are often co-located with thermal or gas-based power plants. Statement II: The desalination process, particularly Reverse Osmosis, is energy-intensive and requires significant electricity. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct Correct Solution: A Statement I is correct. In regions like the Gulf, desalination plants and power plants are frequently built as integrated complexes. This co-location allows for the sharing of infrastructure and energy resources. Statement II is also correct and provides the explanation for Statement I. Desalination, especially the Reverse Osmosis process, requires massive amounts of electricity to power the high-pressure pumps that force water through membranes. By co-locating with a power plant, the desalination facility can directly access the necessary electricity, reducing transmission losses and overall operational costs. This integration is essential for the economic viability of supplying freshwater in arid nations. Therefore, Statement II is the logical reason behind the practice described in Statement I. Incorrect Solution: A Statement I is correct. In regions like the Gulf, desalination plants and power plants are frequently built as integrated complexes. This co-location allows for the sharing of infrastructure and energy resources. Statement II is also correct and provides the explanation for Statement I. Desalination, especially the Reverse Osmosis process, requires massive amounts of electricity to power the high-pressure pumps that force water through membranes. By co-locating with a power plant, the desalination facility can directly access the necessary electricity, reducing transmission losses and overall operational costs. This integration is essential for the economic viability of supplying freshwater in arid nations. Therefore, Statement II is the logical reason behind the practice described in Statement I.

#### 4. Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: Desalination plants particularly in regions like the Gulf are often co-located with thermal or gas-based power plants.

Statement II: The desalination process, particularly Reverse Osmosis, is energy-intensive and requires significant electricity.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

• (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

• (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

• (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Solution: A

• Statement I is correct. In regions like the Gulf, desalination plants and power plants are frequently built as integrated complexes. This co-location allows for the sharing of infrastructure and energy resources.

• Statement II is also correct and provides the explanation for Statement I. Desalination, especially the Reverse Osmosis process, requires massive amounts of electricity to power the high-pressure pumps that force water through membranes.

By co-locating with a power plant, the desalination facility can directly access the necessary electricity, reducing transmission losses and overall operational costs. This integration is essential for the economic viability of supplying freshwater in arid nations. Therefore, Statement II is the logical reason behind the practice described in Statement I.

Solution: A

• Question 5 of 5 5. Question With reference to the geography of Iran, consider the following statements: It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south. The Alborz Mountains stretch from the northwest to the southeast, acting as a major resource barrier. Iran shares land borders with both Afghanistan and Pakistan. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Correct Solution: B Iran occupies a strategic location in West Asia. Statement 1 is correct; it has a long coastline along the Caspian Sea in the north and the Persian Gulf/Gulf of Oman in the south, allowing it to control the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is incorrect; while Iran has major mountain ranges, it is the Zagros Mountains that stretch from the northwest to the southeast. The Alborz Mountains are located in the north, near the Caspian Sea, and contain Mount Damavand. Statement 3 is correct; Iran’s eastern borders are shared with Afghanistan and Pakistan, making it a bridge between the Middle East and South Asia. The country’s geography is characterized by these mountain ranges surrounding a central arid plateau, which includes large deserts like the Dasht-e Kavir. Incorrect Solution: B Iran occupies a strategic location in West Asia. Statement 1 is correct; it has a long coastline along the Caspian Sea in the north and the Persian Gulf/Gulf of Oman in the south, allowing it to control the Strait of Hormuz. Statement 2 is incorrect; while Iran has major mountain ranges, it is the Zagros Mountains that stretch from the northwest to the southeast. The Alborz Mountains are located in the north, near the Caspian Sea, and contain Mount Damavand. Statement 3 is correct; Iran’s eastern borders are shared with Afghanistan and Pakistan, making it a bridge between the Middle East and South Asia. The country’s geography is characterized by these mountain ranges surrounding a central arid plateau, which includes large deserts like the Dasht-e Kavir.

#### 5. Question

With reference to the geography of Iran, consider the following statements:

• It is bordered by the Caspian Sea to the north and the Persian Gulf to the south.

• The Alborz Mountains stretch from the northwest to the southeast, acting as a major resource barrier.

• Iran shares land borders with both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

How many of the above statements are correct?

• (a) Only one

• (b) Only two

• (c) All three

Solution: B

• Iran occupies a strategic location in West Asia.

• Statement 1 is correct; it has a long coastline along the Caspian Sea in the north and the Persian Gulf/Gulf of Oman in the south, allowing it to control the Strait of Hormuz.

• Statement 2 is incorrect; while Iran has major mountain ranges, it is the Zagros Mountains that stretch from the northwest to the southeast. The Alborz Mountains are located in the north, near the Caspian Sea, and contain Mount Damavand.

Statement 3 is correct; Iran’s eastern borders are shared with Afghanistan and Pakistan, making it a bridge between the Middle East and South Asia. The country’s geography is characterized by these mountain ranges surrounding a central arid plateau, which includes large deserts like the Dasht-e Kavir.

Solution: B

• Iran occupies a strategic location in West Asia.

• Statement 1 is correct; it has a long coastline along the Caspian Sea in the north and the Persian Gulf/Gulf of Oman in the south, allowing it to control the Strait of Hormuz.

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